DELTONA, Fla. – Students and staff at Timbercrest Elementary in Deltona celebrated on Friday after becoming an A school during the 2022-2023 school year.
Because of that, their principal Mr. Lonnie Tidmarsh honored his promise to shave off his beloved beard.
“At the time of the promise, some people outside of Timbercrest thought it would be a little bit of a long shot, some people doubted the Timbercrest family and the accomplishments that we could achieve. However, our school family knew with a focus and vision on student success, we would accomplish this goal,” Tidmarsh said.
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Tidmarsh announced Timbercrest Elementary achieved remarkable scores on state assessments. Each student received a certificate for their hard work.
His wife, Zandra, said he’s always had a “scruff” even when they first met, adding she was anxious to see what the turnout would be.
“I’ve asked him to get rid of it so many times but only because I like to switch it up you know, and I would like to see it a little bit shorter, but I am going to miss it I think,” she said.
With the help of former Timbercrest Elementary student and Tidmarsh’s barber, Cody Garrett, his beard was completely gone within in five minutes.
“Alright, does anyone have a mask I can borrow? It’s very cold, It’s very cold,” Tidmarsh said.
Tidmarsh said he had been growing his beard for nine years. He has three kids and his two youngest have never seen him without facial hair until now.
“It’s definitely different,” Mrs. Tidmarsh said. “We were a little emotional out here, but we love you with hair or without hair.”
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